YOUTH, DIGITAL CULTURE & INTELLECTUAL DECLINE AN ISLAMIC ETHICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article explores a major problem facing today's youth: they are losing their ability to reflect and think critically, even though they carry the "Library of Alexandria" with them. From an Islamic perspective, we see this as a shift from "Iqra" (اقرأ)(Read/Reflect) to mindless scrolling. We look at how continuous notification leads to "Ghaflah") (غفلة (heedlessness), which compromises the calm and concentration "Khushu" (خشوع)needed for both worship and education. The Islamic tradition of Hifz (memorization) and internalizing knowledge is contrasted with the "Google Effect," which claims that relying on phones leads to memory loss. We also examine how social media algorithms encourage youth to propagate rumors without adhering to the "Tabayyanu"(تَبَيَّنُوا) (verification/investigation) mandate found in Surah Al-Hujurat. We also discuss the perils of squandering time on "Laghw" (لَغْو) (vain talk), which is forbidden to believers. The conclusion of this essay makes the case that while technology can be helpful, it must be utilized with "Digital Taqwa" (God-consciousness). We provide methods to assist young people in becoming active seekers of "Beneficial Knowledge" (عِلْمٌ نَافِعٌ) rather than passive consumers of content, so that their minds continue to serve their Creator rather than being enslaved to algorithms.